Race, Gender & Leadership Series

Hear Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, distinguished Pitt alumnus, social activist, feminist and CNN Hero, share her fearless story of breaking with cultural norms and gendered expectations, actively seeking a college education, advocating for education reform in Kenya, and building a school that is shifting gender expectations in the region. Addressing issues of feminist ethics, leadership, civic responsibility and education reform, Dr. Ntaiya says she speaks for girls who cannot speak for themselves. She will engage with varied viewpoints while underscoring the need for civil discourse and respect for difference when educating tomorrow’s global leaders.

All events featuring Dr. Ntaiya are part of “Race, Gender and Leadership Series: Perspectives on Africa” and will take place October 24-28th, during International Week.

Tuesday, Oct. 25th

11:00am-12:00pmEmpowering Girls to Change the World is open to local K-12 educators, administrators and high school students; Pitt faculty, students, staff and friends; local activists and global leaders. Join the TedTalk-style conversation Dr. Ntaiya’s life story as profiled in National Geographic and CNN.

12:45pm-2:00pmLunch with Pitt Senior Leaders as a way for Dr. Ntaiya to meet the deans and associate deans of all units sponsoring this series and discuss potential collaborations in the future.

2:30pm-3:30pmGirls and Women at the Heart of the Fight to End Extreme Poverty in Africa conversation with undergraduate and graduate students in the African Studies Program on shifting gender paradigms and educational reform in Kenya.

5:00-7:30pmFireside Chat: Diversity through the Eyes of Women(part of the World Affairs Council year-long series on diversity) isopen to community leaders representing the multiple ethnic enclaves and communities across Pittsburgh. Conversation with Assoc. Dean Murrell on ethics, women in leadership and education in the 21st century.

Wednesday, Oct. 26th

8:30am-10:30amBreakfast and Webinar Session: Empowering Girls to Change the World with CBA Student Leaders to discuss the skills, awareness and values that a diverse array of students should develop to become ethical, impactful and successful leaders.

11:00am-12:00pmPrivate Meeting and Photos with Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and Provost Patricia Beeson to discuss the Kakenya Center for Excellence and get to know the new Chancellor.

2:00pm-3:00pmAlumni Panel: The World after Pitt impressions from three prominent Pitt alumni on how their time at Pitt prepared them for life, leadership, social activism and civic engagement around the world.